MP

The retiring Labor MP is former Minister David Campbell, who has represented the seat since 1999.

Profile

A northern Illawarra electorate taking in the northern and western Wollongong suburbs of Figtree, Keiraville, Mount Ousley, Balgownie, Corrimal, Towradgi, Bellambi and Woonona.

Background

The new name adopted in 1988 to replace Corrimal, a safe Labor seat that had existed since 1968. Keira was held from 1988 until 1999 by Col Markham, but he shifted to contest Wollongong in 1999 in a complex factional deal that involved Attorney-General Jeff Shaw taking the right's position at the top of the Legislative Council ticket. Keira was contested in 1999 by then Wollongong Lord Mayor David Campbell, holding off a stronger than expected challenge from Wollongong Council independent Dave Martin. In 2003, Campbell won easily with the Greens finishing second, but new electoral boundaries in 2007 saw the stronger Green booths moved into Heathcote.

Issues and Polls

An Illawarra Mercury poll published in the first weekend of the campaign showed Liberal candidate Dorahy ahead on first preferences and with a strong chance of victory. The Liberal campaign in Keira is higher profile than many locals have ever seen.

2006 Census Profile

Keira has the state's third highest proportion of residents employed in education (12.0%).

33 year-old Park was raised and lives in the Illawarra. He has worked for many years in the NSW public service and for senior ministers, including several years as a senior adviser to retiring MP David Campbell through several ministries.

Takacs lives locally in Keiraville and lectures in physics at the University of Wollongong where he has worked for more than two decades. He states he is passionate about sustainability and points to his modest house having ten solar panels, three rainwater tanks, a vegetable garden, a small native plant nursery and no car. He contested Cunningham at the 2010 Federal election.

Aged 56, Dorahy grew up in the local area before going on to a long career in Rugby League, best known for his years as full back with Western Suburbs, also playing two tests for Australia. In more than a hundred games with Wests he earned the nickname 'Joe Cool' for his calmness under pressure. He later played two seasons with Manly and became captain of the new Illawarra Steelers team when it joined the expanded League competition. He also played and coached in England for several years, and has coached lower grade teams in Australia. In later years he has worked in the hotel and gaming industry.

Avasalu grew up in the Shoalhaven area on the South Coast of NSW. He was School Captain at his high school, and was involved in groups such as the Shoalhaven City Councilís Youth Advisory Committee. He currently lives in Mount Keira and is studying at Wollongong University.